G7: Russia should be more involved in the peace process in the Donbas
The foreign ministers of G7 countries recently discussed the situation in Ukraine and called upon Moscow to become more involved in the peace process by influencing pro-Russian separatists in the Donbas.
On April 10th to 11th, the G7 countries’ ministers of foreign affairs met in Hiroshima, Japan. Representatives of Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Canada, USA, France and Japan discussed global terrorism problems, the migration crisis, the issue of the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and conflicts in Syria and Ukraine. They called upon Russia to make a greater effort for resolving the conflict in Ukraine. During the meeting in Hiroshima, Moscow was urged to influence pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. It was emphasized that implementation of the Minsk Agreements would directly lead to lifting of western economic sanctions against the Russian Federation.
According to a communiqué obtained by the DPA agency, the annexation of the Crimean peninsula by Russia is considered by G7 countries as a violation of international law.
“We expect Russia to comply with their obligations,” the communique stated. “All parties concerned should comply fully with Minsk Agreements for resolving the problems peacefully and through diplomatic means.” At the same time, the diplomats expressed an interest in dialogue with Moscow.
Russia was excluded from the extended G7 format since it has supported armed separatists in the Eastern Ukraine. Nevertheless, the group discussed the possibility of Russia rejoining the group. It is expected that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will come to Tokyo for negotiations in the next week.